Renovating a space in busy city can be very challenging. Phasing the renovation of an occupied building or figuring out how to deliver tons of sheetrock through an open window 30 stories up, are big challenges. But the availability of a wide array of materials and the number of excellent and highly skilled designers and contractors make the whole adventure both interesting and exciting.

• Staging, finding a place to store materials between delivery and installation, will be a challenge too, since unoccupied space is always hard to find.
  
  
• Select a contractor with a long history of working on projects just like yours. He’ll know how to negotiate with the unions, whether he has to tip the freight elevator operator to get his materials inside, where to get information about the plumbing and electrical hookups in your building, and how to deal with the municipal inspectors. Inexperienced contractors can sometimes get shut out of their own sites by making innocent mistakes.
  
  
• Limit your liability. Consider renting a secure steel container and getting a permit to place it in front of your property as a storage place for tools and materials during the work period. Change your locks regularly, and keep track of who has the keys. Beef up your insurance policy, and be sure the contractor has insurance enough to protect your neighbors as well as yourself.

Competition among contractors and consultants can be fierce. Check references carefully to be sure that you’re going to get what you’re going to pay for.

MORE INFORMATION

You’ll find lots more information about the home remodeling process in Managing a Renovation: Staying in Charge and Out of Trouble, our friendly and comprehensive homeowner’s guide to remodeling project management. Download the table of contents and a sample chapter, or go to the order form to purchase it.

We offer ready-to-use construction forms, including a complete remodeling contract, in our Bookstore, as well. Have a look.

And, you may want to look at our list of More Resources for some great design ideas.

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